Critical Reflection

Module Learning: 
  Referring to the two goals I set for this module—namely, to articulate my thoughts and ideas more eloquently and to avoid letting the baseless judgment of others cloud my own—I can confidently say that I have achieved most of what I set out to accomplish in the Critical Thinking and Communications module. During Weeks 1 to 3, the importance of proper paraphrasing and citations was emphasized. This foundational knowledge forms the backbone for all technical writing, both in the present and the foreseeable future. From Weeks 4 to 7, we were taught the efficient use of online resources, such as AI tools (e.g., Copilot). I found this section highly applicable to both academic and real-world contexts. As time progresses and AI systems continue to evolve through machine learning, autonomous processes will inevitably become more prevalent. Thus, learning to use these tools effectively is a logical and necessary step.

By applying the Paul-Elder Framework taught in the module, I have learned to approach problems systematically and logically. The thought process involving purpose, assumptions, and points of view enables me to make connections between prompts and ideas effectively. Reflecting on my personal work using this framework has also helped me remain open to constructive feedback and critique. I believe that growth requires the acceptance of flaws, as we can only truly appreciate the good when we acknowledge the bad. This mindset is essential for both academic growth and interpersonal development. As this module focuses on effective communication, I have learned the importance of being open-minded and taking responsibility for my own learning. I actively work on incorporating constructive feedback to refine my approach. Engaging in meaningful conversations and discussions allows me to understand others' perspectives and respond more thoughtfully.

In conclusion, effective communication is essential in engineering as it ensures that designs, ideas, and solutions are clearly articulated and conveyed to stakeholders, team members, and clients. Written reports must be concise and precise to avoid misunderstandings that could lead to errors. As an engineering student, developing these skills fosters effective collaboration during group projects and assignments. Learning is a lifelong journey, and I plan to apply what I have learned in this module to other areas, including my upcoming internship.

Project Learning: 

  I chose to focus on the presentation aspect of our research project, specifically the completion of the slides. With deadlines approaching and exams around the corner, it felt like a ‘D-Day’ scenario for our team. However, the opposite occurred—our team came together and collectively worked on the presentation resources and slides, leveraging each other’s strengths and addressing weaknesses along the way. Instead of assigning roles, everyone volunteered to contribute. Denzel took on the opening section, Daryl focused on the technical aspects of the system, Ash covered the system's benefits, and I handled the closing. This collaborative effort taught me a valuable lesson: no matter how smart or hardworking an individual may be, it will never surpass the collective determination of a team working together toward a common goal. While working with others can initially seem daunting, the willingness to understand each other’s perspectives makes the process incredibly rewarding when the results are achieved. This experience helped me build trust in others by empathizing with their viewpoints and efforts.

 In conclusion, this experience not only enhanced my teamwork skills during group projects but also prepared me for real-world situations where clear and professional communication is vital. By continuing to practice and refine these skills, I am confident in my ability to grow as an effective communicator, which is essential for success as an engineer.